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Empty stadiums to regular COVID-19 tests: Bundesliga's masterplan to resume football amid lockdown revealed

When German football returns to the pitch this weekend, it will have to follow a draconian set of guidelines. From players asked to isolate family members to substitutes asked to wear masks, find out the key aspects of the plan here.
EMPTY STADIUMS: Only around 300 people will be allowed into the stadium on matchday. They are divided into three zones to avoid any contact between each group. Only players, match officials, first aid personnel and a small group of photographers are allowed on the pitch. (Photo | AP)
EMPTY STADIUMS: Only around 300 people will be allowed into the stadium on matchday. They are divided into three zones to avoid any contact between each group. Only players, match officials, first aid personnel and a small group of photographers are allowed on the pitch. (Photo | AP)
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TEAM ARRIVALS: The teams will arrive in several coaches to ensure each occupant is sitting 1.5 metres (five feet) apart. Everyone in the vehicles must wear masks. (Photo | AP)
TEAM ARRIVALS: The teams will arrive in several coaches to ensure each occupant is sitting 1.5 metres (five feet) apart. Everyone in the vehicles must wear masks. (Photo | AP)
DURING GAMES: Players and the match officials do not need to wear masks, but everyone else on the pitchside does, including substitutes on the bench.  Players have been told that physical contact should only be made as a result of play during the match and embracing or high-fives to celebrate goals is to be strictly avoided. (Photo | Bundesliga Twitter)
DURING GAMES: Players and the match officials do not need to wear masks, but everyone else on the pitchside does, including substitutes on the bench.  Players have been told that physical contact should only be made as a result of play during the match and embracing or high-fives to celebrate goals is to be strictly avoided. (Photo | Bundesliga Twitter)
THE BALLS: The match balls will be disinfected regularly during the action.'Contact with elbows or feet is preferred,' the document states. (Photo | AFP)
THE BALLS: The match balls will be disinfected regularly during the action.'Contact with elbows or feet is preferred,' the document states. (Photo | AFP)
It is the police's job to prevent supporters gathering outside the stadiums. (Photo | AFP)
It is the police's job to prevent supporters gathering outside the stadiums. (Photo | AFP)
HOTELS: Wherever possible, visiting teams must book an entire hotel or, at the very least, an entire floor. Players are banned from the hotel's weights room and must respect the required distance from their teammates even at mealtimes. (Photo | AFP)
HOTELS: Wherever possible, visiting teams must book an entire hotel or, at the very least, an entire floor. Players are banned from the hotel's weights room and must respect the required distance from their teammates even at mealtimes. (Photo | AFP)
TESTING: The central pillar of the plan is the mass testing of players, coaches and backroom staff. They are tested at least twice a week and once on the eve of matches. Any that test positive for the virus are separated from the rest of the team. (Photo | AP)
TESTING: The central pillar of the plan is the mass testing of players, coaches and backroom staff. They are tested at least twice a week and once on the eve of matches. Any that test positive for the virus are separated from the rest of the team. (Photo | AP)
At home, players must live in near-quarantine conditions, without seeing their neighbours or friends. The same rules apply to all of a player's family members. (Photo | AP)
At home, players must live in near-quarantine conditions, without seeing their neighbours or friends. The same rules apply to all of a player's family members. (Photo | AP)
football
Germany
Bundesliga
Coronavirus
COVID-19
German football
social distancing
Lockdown

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